A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
3.8
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a reliable family saloon that won’t break the bank? The Mitsubishi Lancer delivers dependable motoring with straightforward engineering and practical design. This compact family car offers solid build quality, decent fuel economy, and surprisingly spacious accommodation for passengers and luggage. While it may not grab headlines like rivals such as the Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra, the Lancer makes up for it with robust reliability and competitive running costs. The interior provides comfortable seating for five adults, while the boot offers plenty of space for family duties. Mitsubishi’s reputation for durability means you can expect years of trouble free motoring from this understated saloon. The Lancer particularly appeals to drivers who prioritise practicality over flashy styling, making it an excellent choice for families, first time buyers, or anyone seeking affordable and dependable transport. With various petrol engines available and reasonable insurance groups, the Lancer represents solid value in the competitive family car market.
What's the Mitsubishi Lancer Like to Drive?
The Mitsubishi Lancer focuses on steady, predictable performance rather than excitement. Most models come with either a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing around 117 horsepower, or a 2.0-litre unit with approximately 150 horsepower. The smaller engine handles daily driving duties adequately, offering enough power for city commuting and motorway cruising. The 2.0-litre version provides more confident acceleration, making overtaking safer and motorway merging less stressful.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.6L 4-cylinder / 2.0L 4-cylinder
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Power Output
117 - 150 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.2 - 9.8 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 42 mpg
- Boot Space
- 400 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Mitsubishi Lancer: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Lancer and you’ll find a spacious, well-organized cabin that prioritizes practicality over luxury. The dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with clearly marked controls and sensible button placement. Materials are hard-wearing rather than premium, but everything feels solidly constructed. The seats offer good support for longer journeys, and there’s plenty of adjustment to find a comfortable driving position.
A surprisingly robust and engaging daily driver. The Lancer’s value proposition was always strong, offering a blend of practicality, reliability, and a rewarding, if understated, driving experience.
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Expensive to Run?
The Lancer’s running costs are one of its most attractive features, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. Fuel economy is competitive for the class, with the 1.6-litre engine achieving around 40 mpg in mixed driving conditions. The 2.0-litre version returns slightly less but still manages respectable figures. Insurance groups are typically moderate, keeping annual premiums reasonable for most drivers.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Mitsubishi Lancer
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Honda Civic
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Toyota Corolla
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £3,500 | £4,000 | £4,200 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.6L 117hp | 1.8L 140hp | 1.6L 132hp |
| Power | 117 bhp | 140 bhp | 132 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 11.2 seconds | 9.2 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 40 mpg | 42 mpg | 44 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 400 litres | 442 litres | 452 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Value pricing, Reliability, Spacious interior | Sharp handling, Quality interior, Strong resale | Excellent reliability, Hybrid options, Low emissions |
Mitsubishi Lancer Practicality & Boot Space
The Lancer proves surprisingly practical for everyday family use. The 400-litre boot easily accommodates weekly shopping trips, holiday luggage, or sports equipment. The wide boot opening and low loading lip make heavy items easier to manage. Rear seats fold down to extend cargo capacity when needed, though the opening isn’t as large as some estate alternatives.
We’ve had our Lancer for three years now and it’s been absolutely faultless. Nothing fancy but it just works perfectly every single day. The boot space is brilliant for family holidays and the kids love the rear seat room.
The Mitsubishi Lancer represents excellent value in the used car market, offering dependable family transport at budget-friendly prices. It combines practical interior space, reasonable fuel economy, and Mitsubishi’s reputation for reliability into an appealing package. While it may lack the style or excitement of some competitors, it excels in the areas that matter most for everyday driving.